Jim's trusting Ivar's expertise when it comes to this, so whatever he chooses, he just accepts with a nod. Holding a spear is already strange enough, add to that a shield and Jim finds himself almost overwhelmed by how much he actually has to carry.

Not that he gets the time to ponder on that much. He's still getting used to the weight of the shield, placing it in the position Ivar says, when the Viking tells him to defend himself, only seconds before he lunges at him with his axe.

He has his quick reflexes to thank for not getting chopped in two. With a surprised yell, he raises the shield up, holding it against the axe. But he's still not used to this kind of fighting, and the hit is strong, stronger than he could possibly anticipate, and he ends up stumbling back, tripping up and only narrowly avoiding falling on his ass.

Adrenaline rushes through him once he takes a couple steps back. Now his guard's definitely up, wide eyes fixed on Ivar.

Then, he grins.

"Is that all you got?" Taunt a Viking? Check. Great idea too, clearly. "Come on, come at me again."